We tour a lot here at Vita. A lot. And we see (and service) it all in terms of clients wishes and needs. We take their wishes serious… and so often we find ourselves serving as both advisor and advocate to clients considerations during apartment tours.
If you are fortunate enough to have the time and ability to tour an apartment, it’s an amazing opportunity to see what properties have to offer — and not just in terms of square footage and price.
Below are the six most common considerations we tell our clients about during apartment tours. I stress common because nearly every client has some unique wish, history, or circumstance that makes them special. But, hey, that is what we are here for!
Atmosphere
If we’ve learned anything it is that every apartment building is unique. They all have their own personality and quirks. Of course, what might be considered charming for one client can be utterly annoying for another so don’t forget to get a sense of the atmosphere of the property you are touring. This includes potential neighbors, apartment staff and even the hallway lighting.
Keep one thing in mind: what makes you feel at home?
Maintenance
While you are on a tour don’t miss the opportunity to see how well the place is kept up. Even new buildings require maintenance and repair. Keep a look out for fresh or peeling paint, cracked walls or stained carpet, or announcements for upgrades or new building features.
Other important questions to ask: are there full time maintenance staff? How are repairs handled? What is the average turn-around time?
Amenities
Some amenities, like an elevator vs. a walk-up, aren’t always apparent prior to an apartment tour. Similarly, in-apartment washers, dryers, wood floors, valet trash, fireplaces or valet parking can all be yours if that is really what you require and have a budget for. Knowing what is or isn’t included in your rent can really help with finances. And sometimes you might just be surprised at what property communities have available.
Location
This may seem like a no-brainer but often the perfect apartment may be smack dap in the un-perfect location. So know exactly what you are looking for. Take a walk around the neighborhood you are potentially going to live in and check out if it really is a good fit. If you want something lively, make sure there are bars, restaurants or shopping in the area. If you like it a bit more quiet, maybe pass on that unit right next to a soccer or daycare.
Keeping these considerations in mind can help your apartment on track.
If you aren’t fortunate enough to have the option to tour yourself, give Vita Apartment Locators a call. Our locators have expert knowledge of the Denver area and apartment communities, and our comprehensive database can make finding an apartment a breeze.